Dobson doubles up as City issue statement win

A goal of the season contender from Rhali Dobson stole the show as Melbourne City comfortably defeated Canberra United 3-0 at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.

The statement win was sealed early on with Dobson scoring a brace either side of a Kyah Simon header all within the first 45 minutes.

City showed their intent right from the start, relentlessly flooding Canberra’s half with a multitude of light blue shirts.

It took all of eight minutes for their tactics to pay off as Dobson headed the home side into the lead after being picked out by Yukari Kinga from a short corner routine.

Ellie Carpenter looked the most likely from a Canberra perspective but her attempts failed to test ex-United goalkeeper Lydia Williams.

The reigning Champions would then double their lead in the 36th minute after Tameka Butt expertly picked out Kyah Simon, whose header was well-placed to beat Sham Khamis at the far post.

The visitors would have been happy to get to the break only 2-0 down after a tough half but City would give them no such luxury with Dobson nabbing her second, and a goal of the season contender, during injury time.

The 26-year old found space on the right flank before cutting inside, beating her defender, and unleashing an unstoppable curling shot into the top left-hand corner.

Canberra came out much improved in the second half and created a few half chances but Westfield Matildas custodian Williams was equal to every challenge.

The home side’s defence proved difficult for Heather Garriock’s side to break down and although they were able to apply more pressure it was always going to be a tough ask three goals down away from home.

Butt, industrious as ever, almost notched up City’s fourth late on but her attempt smacked off the woodwork.

The win puts City on the cusp of breaking into the top four while Canberra face a must-win game at home to Brisbane Roar as they look to stay in finals contention.